Restriction B is a corrective lens requirement printed on your Texas license
Restriction B means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — whenever you drive. The restriction appears as a small code on the front of your license, and driving without the required lenses is a violation of your license conditions, even if you have perfect vision in one eye or believe you can see well enough.
Texas adds this restriction during the vision screening at the DMV if your uncorrected vision does not meet the state's minimum standard. The restriction stays on your license until you pass a vision test without correction or until your license expires and you renew it. You cannot remove Restriction B yourself — only the DMV can do that after you pass a new vision screening.
This restriction is separate from any medical condition you may have. It is purely about the corrective lenses you need to meet Texas's legal vision standard for safe driving.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive; driving without them violates your license conditions.
- The DMV adds Restriction B if your vision without correction falls below Texas's minimum standard during your vision screening.
- You can remove Restriction B by passing a new vision test without correction at any Texas DMV office.
- Driving with Restriction B but without your corrective lenses can result in a traffic citation and points on your driving record.
- Restriction B does not expire on its own — it remains until you pass a vision test without correction or renew your license.
How Texas vision screening determines Restriction B
During your license test or renewal, a DMV employee conducts a vision screening using a machine called a visual acuity tester. You look into the device and read letters or symbols at decreasing sizes. Texas requires a minimum uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 in at least one eye, or 20/60 in each eye if neither eye meets 20/40 alone.
If your uncorrected vision does not meet these minimums, the DMV will ask whether you wear glasses or contacts. If you do, they will retest you with your correction in place. If your corrected vision meets the standard, Restriction B is added to your license. If your corrected vision still does not meet the standard, the DMV may deny your license or add additional restrictions.
The screening is quick and happens before you take your written or driving test. You cannot skip it or request to be tested only with your correction already on — the DMV tests uncorrected vision first as part of the standard procedure.
What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses
Driving with Restriction B on your license but without your glasses or contacts is a traffic violation in Texas. A police officer who stops you can cite you for violating the conditions of your license. This citation is separate from any other traffic violation and appears on your driving record.
The penalty for violating a license restriction is typically a fine of $100 to $200, though the exact amount depends on the officer's discretion and local court policy. You may also receive points on your driving record, which can affect your insurance rates and your ability to renew your license without additional requirements.
If you are involved in an accident while driving without your required correction, the violation can complicate insurance claims and may be used as evidence of negligence. It is not worth the risk — keep your corrective lenses with you whenever you drive.
How to remove Restriction B from your license
To remove Restriction B, you must pass a vision screening without correction at a Texas DMV office. You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee — the DMV will straightforward conduct a new vision test and update your record if you pass.
Visit any Texas DMV office during business hours and tell the staff you want to remove Restriction B. Bring your current license. The vision screening takes about five minutes. If your uncorrected vision now meets the state minimum, the DMV will issue you a new license without the restriction at no charge. If your vision still does not meet the standard, Restriction B will remain.
You can attempt this test as many times as you want. Some people's vision improves naturally over time, or they may have been nervous during their first screening. There is no waiting period between attempts, though the DMV may ask you to return on another day if the office is very busy.
Restriction B versus other vision-related restrictions
Texas uses several vision-related codes on driver's licenses, and Restriction B is the most common. Restriction C means you must wear corrective lenses and also have limited peripheral vision — you may be required to use outside mirrors or have other driving limitations. Restriction D indicates you must wear corrective lenses and have a medical condition affecting your vision, such as cataracts or macular degeneration.
If you have Restriction B only, you have no other vision-related limitations beyond wearing your correction. You can drive on any road, at any time of day, and in any weather, as long as you are wearing your glasses or contacts. You do not need special mirrors, a note from a doctor, or any other accommodation.
Some people confuse Restriction B with a medical restriction, but it is not. It is purely about corrective lenses. If you also have a medical condition, the DMV will add a separate restriction code for that condition.
What to do if you disagree with Restriction B
If you believe the vision screening was inaccurate or that you should not have Restriction B, you have the right to request a retest. You can do this when ready at the same DMV office or return on another day. The DMV will conduct another vision screening using the same equipment and procedure.
If you still disagree after a retest, you can request that the DMV refer you to an eye care professional — an optometrist or ophthalmologist — for an independent vision evaluation. Bring the results of that evaluation to the DMV. If the eye care professional's report shows your uncorrected vision meets the state standard, the DMV will remove Restriction B based on that professional opinion.
This process does not cost anything, but you will need to pay for the eye exam yourself if you choose to seek an independent evaluation. The DMV does not cover that cost. Keep in mind that the DMV's vision standard is a legal minimum for safe driving, not a measure of whether you personally feel you can see well. Even if you feel your vision is adequate, the restriction exists to protect you and others on the road.
Renewal and Restriction B
When you renew your Texas driver's license, the DMV will conduct another vision screening. If you still need corrective lenses and your corrected vision meets the standard, Restriction B will be added to your new license as well. The restriction does not automatically disappear at renewal — it carries forward unless your vision has changed.
If your vision has improved and you now pass the uncorrected vision test, the DMV will not add Restriction B to your renewed license. This is one of the few ways Restriction B is automatically removed — through a successful vision screening at renewal time.
You can also renew your license online or by mail in Texas if you are not adding a new restriction or changing your address. However, if you want to attempt to remove Restriction B, you must renew in person at a DMV office so the vision screening can be conducted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a license without Restriction B if I wear glasses?
No. If your uncorrected vision does not meet Texas's minimum standard, Restriction B will be added regardless of whether you wear glasses regularly. The restriction is based on your uncorrected vision, not on your habits. However, you can remove it later by passing an uncorrected vision test.
Does Restriction B affect my insurance rates?
Restriction B itself does not directly affect your insurance rates. However, if you receive a traffic citation for driving without your required correction, that violation will appear on your driving record and may increase your rates. Keep your corrective lenses with you to avoid this situation.
What if I lost my glasses and need to drive?
Do not drive without your corrective lenses if Restriction B is on your license. If you have lost your glasses, order a replacement pair or use contact lenses if you have a prescription for them. If you cannot obtain correction quickly, arrange alternative transportation. A traffic citation is not worth the risk.
Can I get Restriction B removed before my license expires?
Yes. You can visit any Texas DMV office and request a vision screening to attempt removal of Restriction B at any time, not just at renewal. There is no fee and no waiting period. If you pass the uncorrected vision test, the DMV will issue a new license without the restriction.
Does Restriction B mean I cannot drive at night?
No. Restriction B only requires you to wear corrective lenses. It does not limit the time of day you can drive, the roads you can use, or weather conditions. You can drive at night, on highways, and in any weather as long as you are wearing your glasses or contacts.